Addressing postmenopausal estrogen deficiency: a position paper of the American Council on Science and Health.

During the past century, Medicine has made immense strides toward improving the general health, so much so that it now claims dominion over many events that were once perceived as immutably natural. In the case of postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), it is not clear that the public has entirely accepted Medicine's mandate. Despite cogent arguments for adopting a long-term regimen of prophylaxis for estrogen deficiency-related problems, relatively few women have received sustained treatment. Medical providers will be more effective advocates of long-term estrogen therapy by becoming more conversant with its effects and proficient in its application. This review aims to provide readers with a foundation in estrogen physiology and pharmacology that will enhance present therapeutic efforts and facilitate a critical appraisal of new regimens as they become available.